Friday, June 21, 2013

Understanding The Uses Of A Tiltmeter

By Lana Bray


To detect a tilt of a structure, it is attached to a tiltmeter, after which the device is able to show the inclination of that particular body. Most types of these devices would make use of liquid-filled tubes, and are almost the same as the level used by a carpenter. The difference though is that unlike the carpenter gadgets, these are also equipped with electronic gadgets which make them very sensitive. This makes the devices able to detect even the tiniest of change in a tilt.

There are two kinds of data transmission methods and they are over alarm sound systems or remotely through a device such as a remotely situated monitor. They have many uses especially in construction and several other engineering applications. Previously known as an inclinometer, that name is diminishing today.

Owing to several uses of these gadgets, such as in construction and civil engineering, there has been increased demand, which has further fueled their evolvement. The first form of the gadgets was just a long pendulum. To tell that the structure to which it was attached had a tilt, the pendulum indicated any movement.

However, the gadget had a major problem, which was an inaccurate result. This was because the movement of the pendulum could be due to air currents and not necessarily the tilt. Another type was thus developed. It had two different containers which were joined by a long tube. The containers were filled with water partially. The change of level of water indicated a tilt.

Modern types of these devices use electronics or direct observations in monitoring the change of position of a bubble of air in any liquid. When the device is moved, there is a change of position for the bubble. This change is further detected by electrodes. Sometimes, the bubble is compared to visible gauge.

The data found can be used later for study after being recorded. The system makes it possible for real time data recording. These gadgets are very accurate and sensitive at the same time. They are able to record even as small a change as 1 arc/s. An arc second unit is equivalent to an angle measurement of 1/3600 of one degree.

In most cases, the device is used in monitoring structures for tilt, and this can be due to earthquakes, settling or even a nearby construction activity. Sometimes, the gadgets find use in projects of civil engineering nature. Here, the instruments are used to ensure that structures or tunnels are able to maintain a level course when repair or construction is going on.

A tiltmeter is also used in monitoring dams for tilt that can be due to water pressure building behind the dams. Geologists on the other hand, place these gadgets strategically near volcanoes to monitor their activities. They can accurately predict when there is going to be an eruption in a certain volcano.




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